Sunday, 21 May 2017

Singaporeans have evolved a distinctive identity: PM Lee Hsien Loong

Chinese Singaporeans confident of culture and aware they differ from Chinese elsewhere
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 20 May 2017Singapore is not a melting pot, but a society where each race is encouraged to preserve its unique culture and traditions, and appreciate and respect those of others, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.No race or culture is coerced into conforming with other identities, let alone that of the majority, he added yesterday at the opening of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) in Shenton Way.In fostering such an approach for a multiracial, multi-religious society rooted in its Asian cultures, Singaporeans need the arts and culture "to nourish our souls", Mr Lee said."We don't wish Singapore to be a First World economy but a third-rate society, with a people who are well off but uncouth. We want to be a society rich in spirit, a gracious society where people are considerate and kind to one another, and as Mencius said, where we treat all elders as we treat our own parents, and other children as our own."In a speech, Mr Lee articulated how Singapore's multiracial approach has forged a distinctive Singaporean identity that is unique.Singapore's diversity is a fundamental aspect of each group's identity. "Our aim is integration, not assimilation," he said. "Being Singaporean has never been a matter of subtraction, but of addition; not of becoming less, but more; not of limitation and contraction, but of openness and expansion."Over time, each race has retained and evolved its own culture and heritage. But it has also allowed itself to be influenced by the customs and traditions of other races."The result has been distinctive Singaporean variants of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian cultures, and a growing Singaporean identity that we all share, suffusing and linking up our distinct individual identities and ethnic cultures."Singaporeans who travel can identify one another by the way they speak and act. When dealing with citizens of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, China or India, "we are confident of our own Singaporean cultures and identities, even as we are conscious that we are ethnic Chinese, Malays, Indians or Eurasians"."Thus the Chinese Singaporean is proud of his Chinese culture - but also increasingly conscious that his 'Chineseness' is different from the Chineseness of the Malaysian and Indonesian Chinese, or the Chineseness of the people in China or Hong Kong or Taiwan," Mr Lee added.Singaporeans now speak of a Singaporean Chinese culture, and in the same way, a Singaporean Malay and Singaporean Indian culture. "For a country that is just over 50 years old, which is a very short time compared to the ancient civilisations from which we spring, this is quite an achievement," he said.Mr Lee said the 11-storey centre, initiated by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations and supported by the Government, represents Singaporeans' affinity and confidence in their own culture.

He cited three key factors that shaped a distinct Singaporean Chinese cultural identity.

First, pioneers inculcated positive traditional values such as hard work, supporting education and charity, and respect for the elderly and looking after the young and weak.

The second is an embrace of multiculturalism. He said: "Although Chinese were the majority, they did not demand minorities adopt the Chinese culture or way of life, or speak Mandarin."

The third factor is a globalised economy and the bilingual education system.

Mr Lee said: "Our collective experiences and memories over the last 50 years... have strengthened the Singapore identity. We call ourselves Singaporean first, before identifying ourselves by our race."

SCCC chairman Chua Thian Poh said the $110 million centre hopes to be a platform for new immigrants and other communities to appreciate local Chinese culture.He said: "By encouraging interaction with other races, we hope this will inspire more creative works and contribute to the richness of Singapore's multi-cultural society."

Singapore has come a long way in being gracious: PMCases of bad behaviour do crop up, but much progress has been made, he says

By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 20 May 2017

A video on social media showing a young couple shoving an old man at a hawker centre was highlighted by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.He said he was relieved the deplorable behaviour outraged Singaporeans."It could have been worse: Singaporeans might have regarded such behaviour as normal," he noted."After all, in many countries, if you don't jostle to get to the front of the queue, you will simply be elbowed aside. And if you put your tissue paper to 'chope' a table, it'll just be swept away."He cited these actions and practices when speaking on how Singapore wants to be a gracious society, not just a First World economy.He made the point at the opening of the $110 million Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC).While Singapore has made progress on being gracious, cases of Singaporeans behaving badly do come up from time to time, he said, citing the hawker-centre incident.The viral video shows a woman dressed in white shouting at the elderly man, before her male companion shoves him from behind.The 76-year-old, holding a tray of food, had asked her if he could share a table with her at a Toa Payoh hawker centre. The 46-year-old man and 39-year-old woman have been arrested for causing public nuisance, after reports were made alleging that they used offensive language and force against him.Mr Lee noted that jostling is common in many countries.It was not too long ago when Singaporeans did the same, "as those of you my age would remember", added Mr Lee, who is 65.Singapore has come a long way, he said. Today, it is a modern, developed society that still remains rooted in its Asian cultures."This sense of rootedness gives us a sense of identity and confidence," he added.

Mr Lee also pointed out that the Government has a role to play in developing a country's culture.

"It can encourage gracious behaviour, foster positive social norms, and recognise cultural achievements and support the arts through facilities like the National Gallery and Esplanade, as well as back the activities of arts and cultural groups," he said.

He called on the SCCC to make the Chinese arts and cultural scene accessible to all races and appeal to all ages.

The centre, sited next to the Singapore Conference Hall, includes a 530-seat auditorium, a multi-purpose hall, a recital studio and a sprawling roof terrace garden.

Its chairman Chua Thian Poh said that since January, it has hosted over 50 events, including concerts and lectures, and reached out to nearly 30,000 people.The centre also wants to work with schools and arts and cultural groups on initiatives to foster greater appreciation of Singapore's unique Chinese culture.It has entered into a partnership with Singapore Press Holdings' Chinese Media Group for Lianhe Zaobao to organise at least 12 cultural events a year at the centre as well.